Lobster Dog was just as shocked as anyone when the Houston Texans selected Mario Williams.

Originally, I was going to put together a first round mock draft to pretend like I had any clue how the 2011 NFL Draft was going to unfold and thankfully I talked myself out of kidding myself. Besides, all I have time to do is worry about the Miami Dolphins selecting Christian Ponder with the 15th pick tonight. Seriously, if that happens I will fully endorse the lockout until he’s old enough to retire. But that’s the fun of the NFL Draft – speculation, worrying, complaining, crying, protesting, cursing, stamping feet, blaming girlfriends, threatening lives, hoping players are hit by buses. You know, all the best of the “in good fun” stuff.

Instead of making predictions so you all can call me wrong – or more wrong than usual – or trying to outbest the best in mock draft coverage at Kissing Suzy Kolber, I figured I’d collect the latest and last of the big first round rumors before this little fun party begins.

Now, roughly nine hours before the Panthers are on the clock, rumors are starting to surface (via Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post) that Carolina has already “unofficially outlined contract parameters” with Newton and his agents.

This is about as shocking as news of a Khloe/Lamar sex tape in 2014. Carolina’s owner loves Cam, so pencil this one in.

More talk of the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Rams making a draft day swap for picks #9 and #14. Naturally, it’s from the Cowboys’ perspective, but it is still something to consider.

I’m not a Rams fan, but being from St. Louis I follow the team and everything I’ve read says they’re not interested in moving up to draft Julio Jones, which I can’t believe because he fits a major need for them, but that franchise ain’t exactly a shining example. As for the Cowboys, their rumors have been everywhere. Today’s latest had Jerry Jones talking to the Browns, Bengals and Broncos about trading up as well.

Can’t believe the Texans drafted a player ranked behind others at a position not one of their most needed.Fairley was ranked #1 and a “can’t miss” at rushing DE/DT. Karrigan ranked higher as well. Amukamara ranked #2 at DB still on the board! We get another nice character guy! Aarrrrrgh!

04.29.11 at 9:20 am

Joel

Why do teams keep drafting black QB’s? Do all of them stop watching football the day their season ends?